There is an old saying, “better late than never.” Although that sentiment doesn’t fly in many facets of life, it matters in regards to the first ever exhibition game played in Africa. The globalization of the NBA is rapidly increasing, and it was only common sense for a game to occur on African soil. 

Much like the contents of our nation, players in the NBA come from various walks of life. Some of those walks are harsher than others. For players from Africa, their walk was exceptionally difficult. However, the troubles along the way helped craft these individuals into being some of the most giving and beloved players in NBA history. 

There are a few traits that most African players have in common. They are tough, dependable, and most importantly, generous. Dikembe Mutombo, Hakeem Olajuwon, Luol Deng, and Serge Ibaka, are some of the most famous NBA players alive. They also have contributed an invaluable amount of philanthropic work towards their native African countries. The philanthropic work of these players proves that the seeds the NBA plants in Africa will bloom in the future.

I can’t speak on behalf of the South Africans who were able to meet, listen, and play basketball with NBA players. However, I can imagine it’s an awe-inspiring experience. Even for many Americans, especially children, meeting a professional athlete is memorable. That's only magnified if said athlete is physically imposing and memorable in his field. 

If I were to travel to another continent and attempt to teach others about the dangers of HIV, or present any educational material, there wouldn’t be much of an audience. However, if I am a seven-foot tall physical specimen who just so happens to be a world-renowned basketball player, I might have a larger audience. This point is why it is so important for the NBA to make an impact. It has a unique platform that most humans don’t. Its presence alone can captivate a group—allowing educational material to more easily be sought out and received. 

Education is invaluable, but the entertainment factor is not to be forgotten. The first game on African soil surely must have felt electric to everyone involved. Splitting the teams into Team World vs. Team Africa was a great way for players with African roots to join together and create a “good guy” team for the crowd. It was also a good way to get viewers across the world behind the product. The most iconic moment of the event occurred when NBA heroes Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon surprised the crowd by entering the game in their original NBA jerseys.

Seeing these men, and other NBA players in magazines or on a television, is nothing compared to seeing them move around a basketball court live. If the NBA wants to continue the tradition of adding quality human beings to its ranks, it must make Africa a priority. Similarly, if the Association wants to develop the quality of its current players, having them become more well-rounded and humbled by visiting places like Africa is essential.

The sheer amount of basketball talent that can be developed in Africa is immeasurable. And if the NBA is smart, it needs to tap that well. Not only for its own selfish reasons, to improve the quality of the game, but also to provide a chance for younger Africans whom seek a different way of life.

Fortunately, progressive commissioner Adam Silver has started the process of including Africa more in the near future: 

“These things just take time, but I’m very confident that in the not-too-distant future we will be playing, to begin with, a pre-season game on the continent of Africa,” Silver said about the future of basketball in the region.

The NBA has a duty to make the game as accessible as possible to everyone, because it is the driving force behind the beautiful game. 

Better late than never.